Hon Dr Nick Smith
Minister of Conservation
10 March 2013
Media Statement
Five new West Coast marine reserves approved
Minister of Conservation Dr Nick Smith today announced at the Bluegreens Forum in Levin he has formally approved the new
Kahurangi, Punakaiki, Okarito, Tauparikaka and Hautai marine reserves totalling 17,500 hectares on the West Coast.
“These five new marine reserves were unanimously recommended by the West Coast Marine Protection Forum involving Ngāi
Tahu, commercial and recreational fishers, conservationists, tourism operators and councils. It is a real tribute to the
Forum that in a region where conservation issues over forests, coal, gold and hydro development have caused so much
conflict that a consensus has been found on marine conservation,” Dr Smith says.
“There are currently no marine reserves along the West Coast north of Fiordland. These reserves will enhance
understanding of the regions unique marine habitats and complement the adjoining protected areas on land, including
three national parks and the Te Wahipounamu South West New Zealand World Heritage Area.
“This is a major step forward for marine conservation as it increases the number of mainland marine reserves from 30 to
35, boosting the area protected by 50 per cent from 33,574 to 51,102 hectares.
The Department of Conservation publicly notified these new reserves last year after they were agreed by the West Coast
Marine Forum. There were 159 submissions received on the proposals – 155 in favour with four objections. The Marine
Reserves Act requires the Minister of Conservation, after considering the submissions, to decide whether to uphold any
of the objections, or to proceed. The decision to proceed means the process now goes to the final stage of seeking the
concurrence of the Ministers of Primary Industries and Transport to enable the reserves to be surveyed and gazetted
later this year.
“We are a nation with some of the most spectacular and unique coastlines in the world and we need to recognise the
importance and value of not only our special places on land, but our marine habitats as well.”
ENDS